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Author
Topic: Hi (Read 1957 times)

my name is Matt and i live in the UK let me start by saying this is a amazing site and from what i have seen so far all the people are amazing.

so...about 6-7 years ago i was a fool and slept with about two girls unprotected, back then HIV/AIDS never came into my head i was never educated on this virus at school etc.

after a few years i became paranoid over HIV but always ignored the fact i was exposed and got on with my days. every once in a while it would pop back into my head and stress me out for a few weeks then i would forget again and go about my life.

since then i have settled with my gf who i have been with for 6 years and its always been protected sex apart from the condom breaking twice...which puts her at risk.

anyway in the past 6 years i have had a few symptoms(i know aids has no symptoms) but i have had swollen nodes lose stools and fatigue on and off for 6 years maybe a little longer.

anyway iv finally got the courage to get tested..i was annoyed at the clinic as they made me book an appointment a week before my test don't these people know how frustrating that is.

could anyone tell me in the UK what type of test will they do..i don't think i could stand waiting weeks for my blood results..already lost weight and sleep over worry.

once again...truly amazing site and keep up the good workBTW my test is on Monday..and I'm very scared.

The UK, like everywhere else in the developed world, uses latest generation ELISA antibody testing and I doubt you'll have to wait weeks for the results. It usually only takes a few days.

The likelihood that you've been infected from those unprotected encounters is very very low. HIV is a fragile virus which is difficult to transmit especially from female to male. I really think you're going to come out of this just fine.

I'm not sure if rapid testing is offered in the UK (I'm Australian). If it is then go for it. A negative result on a rapid test (after the expiration of the 3 month window period) won't need confirming by any other means, it will be conclusive. Only positive ELISA test results require further confirmatory testing.

got verbal confirmation today that the HIV is neg. so i guess i have to put the years of Diarrhoea and sinusitis and skin rashes down to different things which i think I'm having a hard time doing to be honest.

i did ask to see the results but the clinic want £30 fee for a print off. isn't it my right to see them? i found that slightly strange....I'm going to make a docs appointment to discuss the possibility of IBS and possible treatments.

anyway I'm so glad i found this site the people are amazing very nice people i have to say...